Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks just landed a major piece for their 2026 recruiting class.
Five-star edge rusher Anthony “Tank” Jones announced his commitment to Oregon on the Pat McAfee Show Thursday morning, giving the Ducks their fourth five-star pledge in the cycle. He joins safety Jett Washington, offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho, and tight end Keandre Harrison as part of what’s quickly becoming one of the nation’s most stacked classes.
“Just the relationship I have with them and the way they know how to develop,” Jones said. “The history of Coach Lanning and Coach Lupoi… they can coach. I just know he can get me to the next level.”
Jones chose Oregon over Alabama and Texas A&M — two of college football’s most consistent recruiting powers.
According to 247Sports Composite, Jones is ranked No. 18 nationally, the No. 4 edge rusher, and the top player in the state of Alabama. He earned an elite 98 overall grade.
It’s not just about winning on the field anymore — recruiting is its own battleground. And with Jones now in the mix, Oregon is right there with Alabama, each holding four five-star commits in the 2026 class.
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Jones, a standout from Mobile, Alabama, put together a dominant junior season at St. Paul’s Episcopal, finishing with 84 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks — the kind of production that makes his five-star rating easy to understand.
But he’s not just a football standout. Jones also plays basketball and runs track, showing off the kind of all-around athleticism that gives him a serious edge on the field.
Landing Jones is another big-time win for Lanning and his staff. As Oregon prepares for its second season in the Big Ten, it’s clear the Ducks aren’t just aiming to compete — they’re building to win it all.